Same Old, Same Old? Kenya to Launch Another One of “Africa’s First Planned Cities”

We know that African cities are growing, and faster, with the continent’s population set to double in number in the next 30 years. The question is, how are African city government planning for it? What’s the human demand for it? And how are planners making sure that these cities develop in a way that is responsive to citizens needs?

In Kenya, the vision is Tatu City, a planned city space aiming at housing 62,000 people. Developed by a Western planning firm, the planned city is expected to have all the niceties, as explained by the chief planner of the development firm:

“Tatu will employ an urban management system to make sure all roads, solid waste and sewerage are maintained to a point that are higher than what you see today in other Kenyan municipal authorities….And that can only translate into better public spaces, a better standard of living and higher quality environment for all.” – Cameron Rush of Planning, the project managers behind the 1,000-hectare development

Wait, really? What seems to be missing to me is a guiding vision — based on local demand — for how Tatu City should look like, operate and be. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out!